Although critics panned them as “derivative,” Led Zeppelin became one of the most successful rock bands during the 1970s. Known as one of the best live-performance bands (they regularly sold out 20,000-seat arenas; a pair of 50,000-seat shows in Tampa in 1973 broke the record for the largest paying audience to see a single band, which was formerly held by The Beatles for the legendary 1965 Shea stadium concert ). “Led Zep” are also known for their rock anthem “Stairway to Heaven,” as well as the singles “Fool in the Rain,” “Whole Lotta Love” (their best-selling single), “D'yer Maker”, and “Dazed and Confused.” The band was set to tour in support of its 1980 release, In Through the Out Door, but with the sudden death of drummer John Bonham in September of that year, the band broke up instead. The band has played reunion concerts intermittently (once with Bonham's son Jason playing drums), including at its induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Page formed The Firm with former Bad Company frontman Paul Rodgers in 1984, scoring with the song “Radioactive”. He also formed a brief partnership with David Coverdale (Coverdale/Page), which lasted only a short while. He and Plant have also teamed up again to make music.